Let’s turn back the clock for a bit... In the Czech Republic, the modern version of the puppet theater dates back to the 17th century. It was imported by English, Italian and German touring theater companies. With time, plays were performed more and more often in Czech until they became the only form of theater available in Czech provinces. This folk theater promoted the Czech language, national awareness, interest for history, and it also was a means of promotion of the “Czech national revival” ideas. The tradition, passed from father to son, was lead by puppeteer families: the most famous puppeteer remains the legendary Kopecký (1775-1847) whose plays were published by his son in the second half of the 19th century.
The National Marionette Theater in the Prague Old Town revived this historic tradition and offers original plays with large hand-painted wooden puppets, dressed in beautiful historic costumes.
The repertoire’s major play is “Don Giovanni”, a show inspired by Mozart’s famous masterpiece, the premiere of which took place in Prague in 1787 and was conducted by the composer himself. It is performed in its original language, Italian (duration: 2 hours, from 8pm to 10pm). The “Magic Flute” is another successful show offered by the theater.
For more information about the shows and to book online, contact us.
National Marionette Theater
Žatecká 1
Prague 1, Old Town
http://mozart.cz/
How to get there:
Subway Green line A, station “Staroměstská”.
Tram 17, 18, stop “Staroměstská”.
